Holidays at the Gonzalezes’ were a mix of comedy and drama. My family celebrated the holidays in an elaborate style; like most families, we kept up with the Joneses, I suspect. As with most families, there was always some drama simmering and a lot of comedy. As I got older, I could see more and more of the drama in our Cuban family holiday productions. I lived blissfully as a small child, looking forward to presents and sweets. But in my early teens, I realized things were not as blissful as the magazine-cover families were portrayed. It got real when the aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, and grandparents gathered in one house. Often, a slow simmer would turn into a boil-over, and I don’t mean only in the kitchen!
Personality clashes and old beefs always seem to rear their ugly heads as the day goes on, especially when liquor is involved.
My mother had a hot temper, lived on shots of Cuban espresso, and was highly anxious. The family pushed her too far one Christmas, and the roast pig literally flew off the table, flung there with all its trimmings.
Chaos implies being out of control, disorganized, and confused. Chaos is never good or productive. Problems will arise, and you have to learn to deal with them because that is life. Chaos is very different. It is debilitating and harmful, a product of an uncontrolled mind running wild.
I’ve lived through chaos, having lived in a dysfunctional family. I know the drama, uncontrolled minds can dish out on everyone around them. Try living with an Alcoholic or someone who can’t control their anger or feelings. These people thrive on chaos.
GrowingOlderHopeWiser 
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